By launching its Inzone range on the market, Sony displayed two very distinct propositions for its audio headphones: an entry-level one with the H3, priced at just under a hundred euros at the time; and another more high-end with the H9 helmet, intended for a more demanding audience looking for a helmet made to last. And in the middle of all this… only the H7 could claim to give the best of both worlds, even if this solution was still a little expensive. So that its Inzone range can appeal to all audiences and above all fit into all budgets, offering a mid-range headset was essential and this is the function that the H5 headset, which serves as a replacement for the H7, fulfills. It now remains to be seen whether the right balance has been found.
Test conditions: We were able to test the Inzone H5 headset for several weeks, both in-game on PlayStation 5 and on PC with daily use.
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Appearance and features
In terms of looks, the Inzone H5 does not particularly innovate and does not really differentiate itself from other headsets in the Sony range. We had in hand the black version which looks pretty much like all the other headsets on the market, except that it is very sober and the Sony logo only appears highlighted. The plastic coating may be quite susceptible to scratches, but it's hard to be choosy here when you see that Sony offers what you would expect for the price of the H5 in terms of choice materials. At least the device feels sturdy even when pulling on its arms (which is never recommended anyway).
Once placed on the head, the headset is comfortable, even after a few hours of use. Fatigue is obviously felt since it is not very light either (even if with 260 grams, we are still on something very acceptable), but nothing unusual for a product in this price range. Note that the headband adjustments do not have notches and that you simply need to slide the branches to adapt it to the millimeter to the surface of your skull. More precise and more malleable, even if along the length and according to your movements, the settings can move more naturally.
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The earcups cover your entire ears and are equipped with very comfortable foam as well as a quality coating. During long-term use, discomfort will certainly not come from this part. These earbuds can also be rotated 90° to facilitate storage and transport. Below we also find the shortcut buttons, with the volume adjustment and connectors on the left, and the power button on the right.
On this part, we also find the “Game” and “Chat” buttons to play on the volume between these two parts, which you can also adjust on the application dedicated to Inzone devices found on PC. Application which happens to be very complete and already mentioned in our test of the Inzone Buds. There are obviously a little less adjustments and customization possible here, given that the inputs are more limited than on the headphones, but you will be able to find an equalizer as well as the possibility of turning off the device in case of inactivity after a certain period. The H5 also has a good autonomy which can be counted in around thirty hours without recharging, knowing that it is also entitled to rapid recharging.
Good sound reproduction
The H5 also has the advantage of being able to be connected wired via a 3.5 mm jack port or via a USB dongle. An appreciable double connection, with an accessory on which you must switch between one position for the PC and another for PS5 use so that the headset can function correctly. The connection with the PS5 is immediate and poses no problem. The only downside is the absence of a Bluetooth connection, which makes the headset significantly less mobile and less designed to accompany you everywhere. Since the headset is priced higher than the entry-level, this detail is not really the most surprising, but it is important depending on the type of device you are looking for.
The great advantage of this headset is that it has sound spatialization, which makes it very pleasant to wear when playing on PC or PS5. Capturing the origins of sounds is not a problem with the H5 screwed onto the head, which offers a clear and satisfactory result. Whether on a Diablo IVA Final Fantasy VII RebirthA Hi-Fi Rush or other, we were able to enjoy a quite remarkable sound immersion. Nothing extraordinary either since we remain on a range which does not aim for what an excellent headset can offer, but the sound offered by the H5 completely meets our expectations.
It is the same with the integrated microphone, which picks up the voice well without being interfered with by all the sounds around it. Its very malleable branch is surprising at first glance but it allows you to really place it wherever you want. We also appreciate the fact that the microphone is muted when the branch is completely raised, since there are no other buttons for this.
Technical characteristics
- 2.4 GHz connection
- Weight: 260g
- Battery life: just under 30 hours
- 360° spatial sound
- Pad material: Nylon
- Wired and wireless (3.55mm jack)
- UBS Type-C
- Built-in microphone
- Compatible devices: PC, PS5